The most recent tablets in the Surface range were shipped with Micosoft's "proprietary" SQ1 and SQ2 processors, based on ARM architecture. However, these are just rebranded chips from Qualcomm, which benefit from small optimizations for the Windows platform. But it seems Microsoft's ambitions, like Apple, Google and other companies lately, is to produce its own chips to integrate into Surface devices. The company is now looking for a head of its processor division, according to LinkedIn.
Microsoft is looking for a head of proprietary processor development
Microsoft is looking for a Director of Chipset Architecture, according to an announcement posted on its social platform, LinkedIn. There were already rumors that Microsoft was working with AMD to make a mobile processor based on ARM architecture, and this announcement could be the proof that confirms it.
While we still don't have clear information about Microsoft's processor, rumors said it would use a CPU based on Cortex-X1 cores, alongside an AMD mRDNA 2 GPU and an Exynos 5G modem from Samsung. It would thus be a combination of various technologies, but very similar to what Samsung is also preparing for the Galaxy S22. In fact, Samsung could also be the source for the Google Tensor design, which puts the South Korean company in a very interesting position.
The job posting describes what Microsoft is looking for:
Are you passionate about building cool gadgets and technology? The Surface team sheds light on Microsoft's experiences with the next generation of devices. A fundamental part of our strategy is bringing productivity and mobility together through devices that enable new experiences – helping people and organizations unlock their creativity, passion and potential.”
How big will the performance gap be between Microsoft's chips and today's? It's hard to say at this point, but Apple has proven that the technological edge can be big when you adopt proprietary technologies, developed in tandem with its own software. Microsoft thus has the opportunity to create a model of a high-performance Windows portable computer that will become the basis on which other companies could build similar devices.
source: Phone Arena